Malaysia Shuts Schools as Haze Hits Unhealthy Levels

The Malaysian Education Ministry ordered school closures across several states and territories on Friday. The decision followed a surge in air pollution to unhealthy levels, driven by haze originating from forest fires in Indonesia.

Affected Regions and Closures

The shutdown impacts Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor within the Malay Peninsula. Authorities also suspended classes in Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital Putrajaya, and the Rompin district of Pahang state.

Pollution Index Classifications

Malaysia’s Air Pollution Index categorizes air quality based on specific numerical readings. Levels between 101 and 200 are classified as unhealthy. Readings ranging from 201 to 300 indicate very unhealthy conditions, while any value exceeding 300 is deemed hazardous.

Regional Impact of Fires

Government data confirms that 37 areas across Malaysia recorded unhealthy air pollution levels. Indonesia continues efforts to contain forest and land fires in multiple provinces. These blazes have generated dense haze that has spread to neighboring countries, including Singapore and Malaysia.